DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL, OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

UNESCO has a special role to play in strengthening the foundations of lasting peace, as well as equitable and sustainable development. Advancing cooperation in education, the sciences, culture, communication and information is of strategic relevance at a time when societies across the world face rapid change and increasingly complex social, economic and environmental challenges.

Within the framework of UNESCO’s mandate and its strategic objectives, and under the authority of the Director-General , the Deputy Director-General provides strategic direction and oversight to the Director-General on the general management of the Organization. 

The incumbent supports the Director-General in ensuring coherence of activities and programmes, at Headquarters and in the Field. 

Specifically, the incumbent will\:

• provide advice to the Director-General on the management of programmes and operations of the Organization;
• support the Director-General in ensuring UNESCO’s relevance and impact sustained through strategic leadership and effective engagement;
• undertake initiatives of high priority at the request of the Director-General;
• represent the Director-General and chair various meetings and task forces and act on behalf of the Director-General during her absence and when required;
• carry out and hold any additional responsibilities as delegated by the Director-General. 

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website\: http\://www.unesco.org, and/or the following documents\: 37 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, 2014–2021) and 39 C/5 (Draft UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2018–2019).

Education

• Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in a discipline related to UNESCO’s mandate.

Work Experience

• Extensive and relevant professional experience in senior leadership/executive positions, including substantial assignments at the regional and/or international level.
• Several years of exposure to the requirements of international and inter-governmental cooperation, preferably within the United Nations system context.

Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of, and commitment to, the Organization’s mandate, vision, strategic directions and priorities.
• Leadership capacities, a sense of objectivity and neutrality, strong analytical skills and intellectual capabilities, professional integrity and diplomacy.
• Ability to exercise well-founded and balanced authority, as well as to provide and manage advisory services and functions.
• Sound knowledge of general management practices, including results-based management and budgeting principles, governance and accountability.
• Excellent communication skills with strong representational abilities.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French).
• Working knowledge of the second language (English or French).

Education

• A PhD level degree in a discipline related to the post.

Work Experience

• Awareness and knowledge of UNESCO’s strategic objectives and of wider processes within the United Nations system, especially with regard to the elaboration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Skills/Competencies

• Proven ability to interact effectively at the highest governmental levels, as well as with leaders of the private sector and NGOs, and to build collaborative partnerships and networks with and between a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Skills in administration and the management of financial and human resources.
• Skills and knowledge should include a solid understanding of global operational risk.
• Experience in guiding staff and motivating teams in a culturally diverse environment.

Languages

• Knowledge of other United Nations languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish).